May 29, 1956 - September 9, 2012
CHERRY VALLEY -- John Henry Bouchard, a true family man, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, September 9, 2012, at his home in Cherry Valley. Johnny, as he was affectionately known by many, was 56.
One of nine children, he was born May 29, 1956, at the Josiah B. Thomas Hospital in Peabody, Mass., a son of Armand Robert and Ruth Irene (Townsend) Bouchard.
After graduating from Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford, Mass, he attended school to become a farrier.
On June 27, 1976, John married Deborah Ann Collins in Middleton, Mass.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1978, and served with the Aircraft Generation Squadron. In January 1982, he received his honorable discharge at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, having attained the rank of Sergeant.
Johnny later became a tractor trailer driver, owning his own truck and driving for Walmart. For the past two years he served as a van operator for the Cancer Center at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
In his leisure he loved spending time on his boat on Otsego Lake, and especially enjoyed time spent with friends at the former Brookwood Garden docks in Cooperstown. Most importantly was Johnny's devotion to his family. He was a true family man in every sense of the term, and was an especially proud Papa.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debbie, of Cherry Valley; one daughter, Jacquelyn LaLonde and her husband, Matthew, of Cobleskill; one son, Timothy Collins Bouchard and his wife, Amber, of Troy; two grandchildren, Jack and Isabelle LaLonde; two sisters, Carol and Nancy; five brothers, Bob, Rick, Joe, Wayne and Kris; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by an infant sister, Kathy.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a service of remembrance to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, with Eric Austin, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel of the Hills in Cobleskill, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Immediately following the services, all are welcome to gather for a time of refreshment and fellowship at "The Adalaide" - home of Gail and Neal McManus, 311 Bush Road, Cooperstown.
As an alternative to flowers, John's family suggests that those who desire to make a memorial gift, please do so to a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.